Govt committed to promote press freedom

The government is committed to promote press freedom through repealing laws that stifle media freedom.

This was said by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana during the World Press Freedom Day belated celebrations held in Kwekwe.

Outlining government’s road map in promoting freedom of press, Mr Mangwana said the 2023 election observer report should reflect tenets of a democratic society aligned to international practices.

“We are a listening government hence our efforts in promoting freedom of speech,” he said.

Stakeholders in the media delivered solidarity messages with the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) Secretary General Mr Foster Dongozi challenging institutions to create conducive working environment for journalists while Voluntary Media Commission of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) Director Mr Loughty Dube called for a revisit to the sticking and binding clauses of the Constitution which hinder press freedom.

“The celebrations are significant as they come at a time there is a change from our ministry to accommodate our input. He, however, called for good working conditions for our journalists and safety for media practitioners,” Mr Dongozi said.

“It’s time to revisit the binding points that suppress freedom of speech,” said Mr Dube.

The celebrations ran under the theme: “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Time of Disinformation”.